Choose the Best Illinois Maritime Accident and Jones Act Lawyers

Injuries among crew members and merchant mariners were so prevalent in the early 20th century that Congress established the Jones Act, officially titled the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Although originally intended to protect merchant marines, the Jones Act now typically covers a broad spectrum of people who are employed or who assist on ships and other types of vessels on the high seas, lakes, rivers, or channels.

When it comes to protecting workers injured on Illinois waterways and upholding Jones Act law, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is determined to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Without any cost to you, our firm will investigate and prosecute your case under the law most advantageous to your situation. We invite you to contact an Illinois Jones Act lawyer today to discuss your case and legal options for financial recovery through Jones Act settlements.

Types of professionals who are likely to be covered under the Jones Act include:

The Jones Act requires owners of vessels to provide well-maintained and safe vessels for their employees. Every part of the vessel must be maintained in a seaworthy manner, meaning that the boat or sea vessel is free from defects and is in proper working order.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies the majority of these workers under water transportation occupations. This is considered to be one of the more dangerous job categories, along with commercial fishing and oil rig work, which also involve water travel. The hazards of weather while out on the water add danger to what are often physically demanding jobs. In 2011, two out of every 100 workers in the water transportation industry claimed an injury. Since maritime workers can be classified under several types of jobs, it is difficult to get a true number of injuries and fatalities related to those who work aboard or with water vessels, but what is clear is that many workers in this field could use help from a maritime lawyer.

Unique Aspects of Injury Law That Apply to Injured Mariners

In order to work with a Jones Act attorney to recover injury-related damages from the owner or operator of a vessel, a crew member must establish that their injury was at least in part the maritime employer’s fault. In other words, the employee must demonstrate that a defect on the sea vessel caused or contributed to the injury.

Unlike other tradesmen injured in the course of their employment and covered under workers’ compensation, the sole remedy for an injured seaman is to pursue a Jones Act lawsuit.

Legal Benefits Under the Jones Act for Injured Maritime Workers

Once liability has been established against an employer, an injured seaman is entitled to temporary benefits known as “maintenance” and “cure.” Maintenance is a stipend paid to workers who are taken out of work by a physician due to their injury. Cure is a payment for medical expenses from doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions. Our Jones Act lawyers are experts on this subject and can help you learn more.

Further distinguishing Jones Act benefits from those typically afforded under workers’ compensation, an injured seaman may be entitled to significant damages for lost wages, disability, fringe benefits, and pain and suffering. It is important that workers have a Jones Act lawyer on their side who understands the law and what legal rights they have to obtain financial damages for their injury.

Hire the Best Illinois Maritime Lawyers and Experts on the Jones Act

A Chicago maritime injury lawyer from our firm can help an injured seaman determine what rights they may have and further advise if a potential claim may be pursued against a sub-contractor or product manufacturer who contributed to the injury. If you were injured on a vessel or dock in Illinois or lost a loved one in a maritime accident, get the attention that a maritime accident lawyer from our firm provides as opposed to being just a number at a larger office.

As with all of our personal injury cases, the initial consultation is free, and we would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss your potential case and Jones Act settlements.

Resources for Victims Injured on Waterways and Boats in and Around Chicago, IL:

“Too many lawyers try pass you off to another person in their office to answer questions. Not Jonathan. I have already referred some family members to Jonathan for their injury cases. I consider Jonathan both my lawyer and my friend.”- Annie

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld. Michonne Proulx

★★★★★

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own. Ethan Armstrong

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This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you. Daniel Kaim

★★★★★

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan! Giulia

★★★★★

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

We serve the following localities: Cook County including Arlington Heights, Chicago, and Cicero; DuPage County including Wheaton; Kane County including Aurora and Elgin; Lake County including Waukegan; Macon County including Decatur; Peoria County including Peoria; Sangamon County including Springfield; Will County including Bolingbrook, Joliet, and Naperville; and Winnebago County including Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and Roscoe.